It's such an honor and privilege to share the Word of God with all of you!
Heavenly Father,
We come to You as we are, not as we pretend to be. The truth is, that when we lift our heads above our path, we all too often discover ourselves lost in a maze of choices. We confess from the very beginning of this worship that we are lost... Were it not for You, O great seeker of our souls, patient parent to our childhood, joyful host to our homecoming; Were it not for You, O Lord, we would be lost forever!
In Your gentleness, guide us.
In Your power, strengthen us.
In Your lowliness, strip from us our selfish pride which only destroys us.
In Your greatness, lift us up, that we might aspire to greater things.
As a shepherd, call us to be Your servants.
We ask and pray these things in the name of Jesus
Amen
So I've called today's message: Why Me?
How many of you have gone through some kind of mess and asked "Why me?
Yeah, nearly everyone!
Why did God call you before your family, friends or co-workers?
Anyone?
The answer is because you have value!
"But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."
Luke 12:7
Because you have a soul!
"And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being."
Genesis 2:7
Because He loves YOU!
"For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 8:38-39
Because He cares for you!
"Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."
1 Peter 5:7
Because He wants good things for your life!
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning."
James 1:17
Because He wants you to be saved!
"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance."
2 Peter 3:9
If you're like most, there are often times you may feel as though you are alone, that there's no one to turn to - you are not alone.
"Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5
God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary plans and purposes!
Noah, Moses, David, Gideon, Rahab, Samuel, Peter, and Paul to name a few.
Each of these people were called out from their families and friends and had a tremendous impact on not only their family and friends but also entire nations.
All of them were normal people for their day.
There was nothing holy or super spiritual about them.
Some of them had some major problems.
Each of them were called and used for supernatural purposes.
Jesus’ disciples had jobs that described them as ordinary men of the day. Several were fisherman and one was a tax collector. One was a political zealot. None of them were theologians!
They were prone to mistakes, faults, misstatements, and lapses in faith. In a sense, these men were remarkably unremarkable! The Bible is full of stories of ordinary people who He used to do some extraordinary things.
Why does God use ordinary people?
Because people would boast of their own ability if He used them for their talent or ability.
Because each one of us has a unique influence in someone else’s life.
Because He needs someone to stand in the gap between Him and the people around you.
"So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one."
Ezekiel 22:30
He is looking for someone He can use.
He is not generally particular.
He can and will use anyone He chooses!
He's looking for the Stephans', Peters' and the Pauls'.
Church, we must realize that even our authority to preach the gospel, regardless of who we are, comes from the Lord Jesus Christ alone!
Not the pastor, priest, bishop or vicar.
We're nothing special, they don't come to church because of us!
The command to preach came from Christ!
The message that we preach is that of Christ, of Christ's cross, it's not of a pastor's spectacular vision or great insight!
It's all about Jesus.
And brothers and sisters, if it's not, you're doing a great disservice to God, the His people!
If in your 30 minute sermon, the congregation hears more jokes, stories about you then they do about Jesus Christ, you'd do best to walk away from the pulpit, and not look back!
Because it's not about you or me, It's all about Jesus!
There are people in your life God is trying to reach, and He is using you to do it.
"And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely."
Revelation 22:17
"Paul, an apostle, not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead), 2 and all the brethren who are with me."
Galatians 1:1-2
Your relationship with God matters!
They watch you…
They will test you…
They will temp you…
To see if what you say you have is real...
There is a call upon each of our lives.
This is why we cannot judge others.
This is why we are to love them even when they hurt us or “despitefully use us.” Matthew 5:44
We are not islands unto ourselves. There are others around us that He would use us to reach.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
Matthew 5:17
Why Me You Ask?
Because You have a purpose.
Because there is a unique calling upon your life.
Because there is a reason for your life and why He chose you.
Because each person is unique and if willing, a very useful tool for the Kingdom of God.
You have a unique purpose.
God has a design for your life.
There is a reason Why He called you!
And now may the Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace
Now and forever, in Jesus' name
Amen
Brian Monzon Ministries